How unconventional is ‘unconventional IP’?

16 December, 2021
EUIPO signs a collaboration agreement with EFIC
Benefits of IP
Intellectual property can also protect sounds, colours and patterns, even tattoos!

When we think of the different intellectual property rights (IPR) and what each of them protects, we usually refer to – for example – words and logos for trade marks, books and art for copyright, a piece of furniture or a fashion creation for design rights, a pharmaceutical drug or a machine for patents.

Yet, intellectual property (IP) can also protect ‘things’ or ‘objects’ that may be perceived as being less conventional than those above.

When we speak about the IP protection available, for example, for sounds, or colours and patterns, shapes, tattoos, memes and GIFs, or tastes and smells, we refer to ‘non-traditional’ or ‘unconventional’ IP. But how easy is it to protect these ‘objects’, in particular as trade marks?

Read on and find out everything about unconventional IP here!